Opening the show was Kiwi act The Latitude Blues who kicked off the six hour rock fest.
America followed, rolling out hit after hit in pounding succession including all the favourites before closing with the band's signature song A Horse with No Name.
As American high school students in England, they formed the band and since then have played 100 shows every year for the past 43 years.
These seasoned rockers wowed the audience with their timeless talent and perfect harmonies.
Next up was Bachman Turner Overdrive led by Randy Bachman and Fred Turner. After gaining global success selling over 30 million records, earning 120 platinum, gold and silver discs, they went their separate ways, reuniting in 2010.
Excited to be in New Zealand for the first time, they opened with Roll on Down the Highway.
The crowd were quickly on their feet.
Once the old favourites were belted out and cheers went up, these hard rock gurus realised they had a show on their hands.
Randy played one song, note perfect, plucking his guitar strings with a drum stick. He then tossed the stick into the audience.
Their eclectic line-up included two Guess Who hit singles American Woman and Shakin' All Over. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet was played near the end and the set, which closed with Takin' Care of Business.
The long awaited rock chick from the 80s Pat Benatar arrived on stage opening with All Fired Up - there was no intro needed.
The four-time Grammy winner and American mezzo-soprano, together with her guitarist husband Neil Giraldo put on a top performance.
Fans got the lively Sunday afternoon party they'd come for and danced through most of their show.
Her voice, as strong as ever, delivered hit after hit including Love is a Battlefield, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, We Belong and Fire & Ice.
It has taken her 35 years to come to New Zealand and she was left in no doubt after Sunday as to her popularity down under.
Delwyn Hillse
